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Choosing the best time for a river cruise in Europe can be tricky. You don’t want to find your tour disrupted by low and high water levels, broken locks and frozen rivers after you have booked your tickets.
Although the weather can ruin your plans at any time of the year, some months are more appealing than others for river cruising.
We have done the research and come up with the best time for a European river cruise.
September has a pleasant climate and normal water levels, which means there is a minimal chance of disruption due to low or high water levels and frozen rivers. In addition, large crowds will have dissipated by September, so there’s no need to book your cruise a year in advance or to pay a higher price..
With the majority of summer crowds and high prices gone and the heat of July and August behind you, September brings some of the most pleasant river cruising conditions. During April, May and June, the melting of snow coupled with spring rains flood most European rivers. As a result, boats are often unable to pass under low-hanging bridges due to the high water level.
When levels start to recede around August, especially after a dry summer, cruises can be postponed or cancelled altogether due to water being too low in some of the river systems, but if this is the best time for you to travel, you can make sure you're covered by getting cruise insurance that may compensate you for altered itineraries or cancelled sailings altogether. By November and December, you run the risk of rivers freezing in northern and eastern Europe. They’re sometimes closed shortly after Christmas during the dead of winter. The colder temperatures may also deter you from sitting out on the cruise deck to enjoy views of the passing countryside.
Uniworld
Free Europe flights or save up to $1,000 + extra 10% off cruises
Available when you book a 2021 European voyage. Get 10% off when you pay full within 3 days. Destinations include France, Danube, Rhine, Milan, Holland, Belgium and much more. T&Cs apply.
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Uniworld
Up to 10% off 2021 cruises
Available on select 2021 dates. Destinations include Asia, Europe, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Russia and more. T&Cs apply.
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Uniworld
Up to 30% off worldwide cruises
Available for travel until November 2020. Destinations include Asia, Europe, France, India, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Russia and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Up to 46% off Celebrity cruises
Valid for travel on select 2020 dates. Destinations include Mediterranean Sea, Southern Europe, Pacific, Hawaii, Canada, USA East Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Uniworld
Free Europe flights with cruise bookings
Available for travel from 26 April 2020 - 31 October 2021. Package includes accommodation, meals, onboard activities and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Up to 40% off Miami cruises
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 and 2020. Other destinations include New York, Europe, the Caribbean and more. T&Cs apply.
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| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Mar 2020 | Free Europe flights or save up to $1,000 + extra 10% off cruises | ******** |
| 31 Mar 2020 | Up to 10% off 2021 cruises | ******** |
| 31 Mar 2020 | Up to 30% off worldwide cruises | ******** |
| 31 Mar 2020 | Up to USD$800 OBC with Oceania Cruises | ******** |
| 31 Mar 2020 | Up to $1,500 off + up to 50% off additional guests with Celebrity Cruises | ******** |
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